Preparing for Thanksgiving Day

If it happens to be your holiday this year, or if you’re a Thanksgiving Day veteran, here are some tips to help you with the biggest culinary day of the year.

1. Avoid scented candles. The allure of Thanksgiving is not only about the extensive spread of food, but in the scent of the awaited turkey coming out of the oven, or the cooked herbs in the stuffing.
2. Clean up all bathrooms. If you’re having your family over, chances are the bathroom will be used more than the usual amount. Make sure you have disposable hand towels available (instead of cloth hand towels), a box of tissues, and a full container of liquid hand soap. Also stock additional toilet paper, hand towels, and tissues underneath the sink, for any additional needs.
3. Flowers for ambiance. Flowers are a great way to dress the table, but at times can get in the way of table conversation. Maybe utilize short vases instead, so you can see everyone from your mother, to your young son. Short vases also can provide a fuller looking arrangement by using fewer flowers.
4. Set the table the night before. Make sure you have all the utensils, plates, chairs, stemware, and platters you will need to display all the beautiful food your making, and make everyone feel welcome.
5. Fill your wine rack. Stock up on an array of red and white wines to please any guest that comes to the table. *Make sure you buy enough milk for the little ones, and enough coffee for dessert*
6. Provide the entertainment. Have some DVDs readily available, or a game console set up, depending on how old the children are that are invited to the party. Board games can also be a fun family past-time, as well as interactive games on a Kindle or an I-pad.
7. Do a quick clean up. Pick up any clothes off the floor, and make sure your closet is organized. No holiday is complete without a tour of the house!
8. Of course, most important, Cook! Find recipes that you can do a few days ahead of time to cut down on the stress and don’t forget to ask your guests to bring a side dish or dessert!

We hope some of these tips help manage the stress that the holidays can bring. After all, holidays should be about the ones your love, the food you ate, and the funny family stories you can share.

If you find your home is starting to get a little too snug for the holidays. We would be more than happy to speak with you about finding a bigger home for your growing family. We are here for our clients seven days a week, on holidays, and holiday eves.

Posted by Tara Orfei, Social Media Manager of Al Filippone Associates, located at 28 Reef Road in Fairfield, CT 203-256-3264 "We are what a Real Estate Company should be." www.afahomes.com

Editor's note: This blog post is featured on the "Thanksgiving in Darien" topics page, where you can find Darien Patch's articles, announcements and blog posts on Thanksgiving—including recipes.